Inhibitory ControlNePsyAssip HTNCT06263712
Differences Between Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators. Influence of the Brief Therapy Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) on Neuropsychological Correlates and Psychological Process Factors - Project 2
A study testing Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) in people with Inhibitory Control and Self Efficacy, run by University of Bern at 1 site in Switzerland.
Trial summary
The present study consists of 3 projects in total and aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the effects and feasibility of ASSIP Home Treatment. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Inhibitory Control, Self Efficacy, Suicide Ideation
- What is being tested?
- Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 156 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSwitzerland
- Study dates
- 25 Mar 2024to Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Subjects fulfilling the following inclusion criteria are eligible for the study:
- Informed consent as documented by signature
- Age ≥ 18 years
- At least one previous suicide attempt
- Willingness to attend the ASSIP brief therapy
- Owns a smartphone
Who cannot join
- The presence of any one of the following exclusion criteria will lead to exclusion of the subject:
- Serious cognitive impairment
- Any psychotic disorder
- Any current medication, which substantially impairs the attention span, reaction, rate or any other relevant cognitive functions
- Inability to follow the procedures of the study (e.g., insufficient mastery of the German language, previous enrolment into the current study)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Switzerland1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern
Bern, 3008
Anja C Gysin-Maillart, Ph.D., 0041 31 632 88 11, anja.gysin-maillart@unibe.ch
Anja C Gysin-Maillart, Ph.D.
About this study
Official title: Differences Between Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators. Influence of the Brief Therapy ASSIP on Neuropsychological Correlates and Psychological Process Factors (NePsyASSIP HT) - Project 2
The present study consists of 3 projects in total and aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the effects and feasibility of ASSIP Home Treatment.
The overall aim of project 2 is to investigate how the (neuro-) psychological patterns are modulated by the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP). Therefore, suicide attempters participating in this project 2 will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group ASSIP or a standard care plus resource interview (STAR) group. The ASSIP and STAR interventions take place at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland).
Read more
At the end of the assessment in project 1 participants who reported a history of past suicide attempt (SUAT) will be informed about project 2.
Only if participants agreed to take part in project 2 and have signed the informed consent, they are randomized into two conditions: The ASSIP intervention (ASSIP) versus standard of care plus resource interview (STAR). Participants of both groups will be assessed again 4 weeks and 12 months after their first baseline assessment of project 1.
Read the detailed description
Purpose and aims:
The present study consists of 3 projects in total and aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the effects and feasibility of ASSIP Home Treatment.
After the cross-sectional study in project 1 determining the (neuro-) psychological patterns between suicide ideators (SUID) and suicide attempters, in project 2, the aim is to learn more about the (neuro-) psychological patterns and how they are modulated by a suicide-specific brief intervention ASSIP that was proven to be effective. In addition to the (neuro-) psychological assessment, longitudinal process factors are examined by comparing an ASSIP intervention group to a group of standard care plus resource interview (STAR). The STAR intervention refers to the usual and customary practices within the field, including suicide risk assessment, a non-specific resource focused intervention and if necessary, further outpatient or inpatient treatment.
Background:
In Switzerland, approximately three people die by suicide every day and suicide attempts exceed this number by far. As a previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors for a completed suicide, it is of utmost importance to identify the people at risk. However, research has shown that traditional risk factors (e.g., depression, psychiatric disorder, etc.) reliably predict suicide ideation but poorly predict suicidal behavior. Furthermore, while effective suicide-specific interventions exist, up to 50% of the suicide attempters reject the recommended treatment and around 60% discontinue treatment after one session. Hence, a different approach is required. In this study, three projects will be conducted. Project 1 aims is to identify the (neuro-) psychological patterns of suicidal attempters by comparing between the following four different groups:
- patients with a prior suicide attempt (SUAT) 2) patients with no prior suicide attempt, but suicidal ideation (SUID) 3) a general patient group (CLIN), and 4) a healthy control group (HLTH).
Project 2 aims to investigate how these patterns are modulated by the efficacious brief therapy ASSIP. In project 3, the feasibility, effects and cost-effectiveness of the ASSIP Home Treatment will be investigated.
Study design of project 2:
A longitudinal analysis over 12 months will only be conducted for the SUAT group. SUAT who participated in project 1 will be asked whether they also wish to participate in project 2. If they agree, they will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group ASSIP or STAR group to understand the influence of the brief ASSIP on (neuro-) psychological correlates in suicide attempters. The brief therapy ASSIP and STAR will take place at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland). Participants in project 2 will be assessed at 4 weeks, and 12 months after the first assessment which was conducted within project 1 and participants will be assessed on several process factors after each ASSIP or STAR session.
- Conditions
- Inhibitory Control, Self Efficacy, Suicide Ideation, Suicide, Attempted, Locus of Control, Process Factors
- Being tested
- Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP), Standard of care plus resource interview group (STAR)
- Medical subject headings
- Suicide, Attempted
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP)Behavioural
The Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) is a specific therapy for patients with a suicide attempt in their biography. The brief therapy ASSIP consists of three to four sessions of approximately 50 minutes each.
Session 1: A narrative interview is conducted, in which the patient is asked to tell her*his personal story which led to the suicidal crisis. The narrative is video-recorded.
Session 2: Using video-playback of the recorded narrative, patient and therapist explore further details of the suicidal process.
Session 3: A case conceptualization focusing on the patient's vulnerability and the trigger of the suicidal crisis is formulated in writing. A list of safety strategies for the prevention of future suicidal behavior is developed jointly with the patient.
Regular letters are sent to patients over a period of 2 years.
Standard of care plus resource interview group (STAR)Behavioural
The standard of care plus resource interview group (STAR) will be offered a clinical interview, a risk assessment, and a non-specific resource focused intervention over three face-to-face sessions. In this resource focused intervention, the patient is asked to name her*his resources, describe them, and give examples.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| ASSIP Group | Experimental | Patients in the ASSIP Group will receive 3-4 sessions of the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) which is a specific therapy for patients with a suicide attempt in their personal history. Each ASSIP session takes approximately 50 minutes. Receives: Behavioral: Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) |
| STAR Group | Active comparator | Patients in the STAR group will receive the standard of care plus resource interview (STAR) which will be a risk assessment interview, and a non-specific resource focused intervention over three face-to-face sessions. In this resource focused intervention, the sessions are focused on activation of existing resources and the patients' social environment is discussed. Receives: Behavioral: Standard of care plus resource interview group (STAR) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Differences in Inhibitory Control
The Go/No-Go task is a cognitive task to assess an individual's ability to inhibit a prepotent response. It is used to measure impulse control and response inhibition. The task requires participants to respond ("Go" response) to one type of stimulus and to withhold or inhibit their response ("No-Go" response) to another type of stimulus. The Go/No-Go task yields measures such as reaction time, accuracy, and the ability to inhibit responses. Reaction times can vary widely, and accuracy is often expressed as a percentage of correct responses. Lower reaction times and higher accuracy in withholding responses (No-Go trials) indicate better inhibitory control and cognitive performance.
Measured: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0).
Differences in Inhibitory Control
The Go/No-Go task is a cognitive task to assess an individual's ability to inhibit a prepotent response. It is used to measure impulse control and response inhibition. The task requires participants to respond ("Go" response) to one type of stimulus and to withhold or inhibit their response ("No-Go" response) to another type of stimulus. The Go/No-Go task yields measures such as reaction time, accuracy, and the ability to inhibit responses. Reaction times can vary widely, and accuracy is often expressed as a percentage of correct responses. Lower reaction times and higher accuracy in withholding responses (No-Go trials) indicate better inhibitory control and cognitive performance.
Measured: The assessment takes place after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR therapy sessions (t1), i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment.
Differences in Inhibitory Control
The Go/No-Go task is a cognitive task to assess an individual's ability to inhibit a prepotent response. It is used to measure impulse control and response inhibition. The task requires participants to respond ("Go" response) to one type of stimulus and to withhold or inhibit their response ("No-Go" response) to another type of stimulus. The Go/No-Go task yields measures such as reaction time, accuracy, and the ability to inhibit responses. Reaction times can vary widely, and accuracy is often expressed as a percentage of correct responses. Lower reaction times and higher accuracy in withholding responses (No-Go trials) indicate better inhibitory control and cognitive performance.
Measured: The assessment takes place 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Secondary outcomes (7)
Movement analyses
To assess nonverbal synchrony between patient and therapist, all ASSIP and STAR sessions are recorded by video cameras. The video recordings of the ASSIP sessions are subjected to Motion Energy Analysis (MEA), an objective, automatized assessment of participant's movement dynamics. MEA uses an image-differencing algorithm common to the context of computer vision, and well suited for the quantification of movement dynamics from two-dimensional recordings.The MEA program provides four continuous time-series representing the amount of movement in the head and gesture regions of both the patient and the ASSIP therapist. Based on these time-series of objective movement-quantification, a measure of nonverbal synchrony is carried out by a specific cross-correlation function.
Measured: The assessment takes place at all 3 sessions of ASSIP or STAR, up to 1 month.
Selective Attention and Interference Control
The Stroop task is a cognitive psychology test that evaluates an individual's ability to selectively attend to information while inhibiting interference from irrelevant stimuli. The Stroop task measures the time taken to complete tasks and the accuracy of responses. The primary measures are the time taken to complete the task and the number of errors. Lower completion times and fewer errors indicate better cognitive control and attentional focus. Lower scores (faster completion times and fewer errors) are associated with better outcomes, reflecting more efficient cognitive processing and interference control. Higher scores, if used to quantify errors or time taken, are associated with a worse outcome, indicating greater interference and potentially reduced cognitive control.
Measured: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
General Sense of Self-Efficacy
The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) is a 10-item self-report questionnaire to assess the general sense of self-efficacy. Items are rated from 1 (do not agree) to 4 (totally agree). A higher score indicates a stronger belief in one's ability to cope with and navigate different situations.
Measured: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Locus of control
The Internal-External Locus of Control Short Scale-4 (IE-4) is a brief measure designed to assess an individual's locus of control orientation. Locus of control refers to the extent to which individuals believe they control events in their lives. The IE-4 is typically scored by summing the responses to its four items, each rated on a Likert scale. The possible score range is determined by the specific scoring method researchers or practitioners use. The scores may range from 4 to 16, depending on the scoring system employed. Higher scores on the IE-4 may suggest a more internal locus of control, indicating a belief that one has control over their life events. Lower scores may indicate a more external locus of control, suggesting a belief that external factors or luck play a significant role in life events.
Measured: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Psychological Pain
The Mee-Bunney Psychological Pain Assessment Scale (MBPPAS) is a 10-item self-report scale to assess intensity and frequency of psychological pain. Psychological pain is defined as an experience of unbearable agony which can be linked to a psychiatric disorder.
Measured: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Suicidal ideation and behavior
The Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview (SITBI) is a structured interview that assesses the presence, frequency, and characteristics of a wide range of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, including suicidal ideation, suicide plans, suicide gestures, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury. We will draw on selected questions from this interview and apply them in the form of a questionnaire.
Measured: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Suicidal ideation
The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) is a self-report questionnaire with 21 items. The BSS measures the ideation (suicidal thoughts, plans and suicidal feeling) of suicide.
Measured: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Feb 2024
- Study start25 Mar 2024
- Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (29)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Inhibitory ControlStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of BernThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 156 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Bern
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Anja C. Gysin-Maillart, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06263712
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2021-02504 (Project 2)
- Acronym
- NePsyAssip HT
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Feb 2024
- Last updated
- 22 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Peter, C. and A. Tuch, Suizidgedanken und Suizidversuche in der Schweizer Bevölkerung. Obsan Bulletin. Vol. 7. 2019, Nêuchatel. 2019.
Bostwick JM, Pabbati C, Geske JR, McKean AJ. Suicide Attempt as a Risk Factor for Completed Suicide: Even More Lethal Than We Knew. Am J Psychiatry. 2016 Nov 1;173(11):1094-1100. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15070854. Epub 2016 Aug 13.
PubMed 27523496Ystgaard M, Arensman E, Hawton K, Madge N, van Heeringen K, Hewitt A, de Wilde EJ, De Leo D, Fekete S. Deliberate self-harm in adolescents: comparison between those who receive help following self-harm and those who do not. J Adolesc. 2009 Aug;32(4):875-91. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.10.010. Epub 2008 Nov 22.
PubMed 19028399Klonsky ED, May A. Rethinking impulsivity in suicide. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2010 Dec;40(6):612-9. doi: 10.1521/suli.2010.40.6.612.
PubMed 21198330May, A.M. and E.D. Klonsky, What distinguishes suicide attempters from suicide ideators? A meta-analysis of potential factors. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 2016. 23(1): p. 5.
Lizardi D, Stanley B. Treatment engagement: a neglected aspect in the psychiatric care of suicidal patients. Psychiatr Serv. 2010 Dec;61(12):1183-91. doi: 10.1176/ps.2010.61.12.1183.
PubMed 21123401Schiepek, G., Ressourcenorientierung und Ressourcendiagnostik in der Psychotherapie. 2003.
Gysin-Maillart, A., ASSIP - Kurztherapie nach Suizidversuch. Attempted Sucide Short Intervention Program. 2. Aufl. ed. 2021, Bern: Hogrefe.
Smith JL, Mattick RP, Jamadar SD, Iredale JM. Deficits in behavioural inhibition in substance abuse and addiction: a meta-analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2014 Dec 1;145:1-33. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.08.009. Epub 2014 Aug 24.
PubMed 25195081Nock MK, Hwang I, Sampson NA, Kessler RC. Mental disorders, comorbidity and suicidal behavior: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Mol Psychiatry. 2010 Aug;15(8):868-76. doi: 10.1038/mp.2009.29. Epub 2009 Mar 31.
PubMed 19337207Rath D, Hallensleben N, Glaesmer H, Spangenberg L, Strauss M, Kersting A, Teismann T, Forkmann T. [Implicit Associations with Death: First Validation of the German Version of the Suicide Implicit Association Test (Suicide IAT)]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol. 2018 Mar;68(3-4):109-117. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-105070. Epub 2017 Jun 29. German.
PubMed 28718868Ramseyer F, Tschacher W. Nonverbal synchrony in psychotherapy: coordinated body movement reflects relationship quality and outcome. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2011 Jun;79(3):284-95. doi: 10.1037/a0023419.
PubMed 21639608MacLeod CM, MacDonald PA. Interdimensional interference in the Stroop effect: uncovering the cognitive and neural anatomy of attention. Trends Cogn Sci. 2000 Oct 1;4(10):383-391. doi: 10.1016/s1364-6613(00)01530-8.
PubMed 11025281Reitan, R.M. and D. Wolfson, Category Test and Trail Making Test as measures of frontal lobe functions. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 1995. 9(1): p. 50-56.
Schwarzer, R. and M. Jerusalem, Skala zur allgemeinen Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung. 1999, Berlin: Freie Universität Berlin. 2013.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Differences Between Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators. Influence of the Brief Therapy ASSIP on Neuropsychological Correlates and Psychological Process Factors (NePsyASSIP HT) - Project 2
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06263712
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NePsyAssip HT / 2021-02504 (Project 2)
- Conditions
- Inhibitory Control, Self Efficacy, Suicide Ideation, Suicide, Attempted, Locus of Control, Process Factors
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 156 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of BernUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 16 Feb 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The present study consists of 3 projects in total and aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the effects and feasibility of ASSIP Home Treatment.
The overall aim of project 2 is to investigate how the (neuro-) psychological patterns are modulated by the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP). Therefore, suicide attempters participating in this project 2 will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group ASSIP or a standard care plus resource interview (STAR) group. The ASSIP and STAR interventions take place at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland).
At the end of the assessment in project 1 participants who reported a history of past suicide attempt (SUAT) will be informed about project 2.
Only if participants agreed to take part in project 2 and have signed the informed consent, they are randomized into two conditions: The ASSIP intervention (ASSIP) versus standard of care plus resource interview (STAR). Participants of both groups will be assessed again 4 weeks and 12 months after their first baseline assessment of project 1.
Detailed description
Purpose and aims:
The present study consists of 3 projects in total and aims to investigate the (neuro-) psychological patterns from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior as well as the effects and feasibility of ASSIP Home Treatment.
After the cross-sectional study in project 1 determining the (neuro-) psychological patterns between suicide ideators (SUID) and suicide attempters, in project 2, the aim is to learn more about the (neuro-) psychological patterns and how they are modulated by a suicide-specific brief intervention ASSIP that was proven to be effective. In addition to the (neuro-) psychological assessment, longitudinal process factors are examined by comparing an ASSIP intervention group to a group of standard care plus resource interview (STAR). The STAR intervention refers to the usual and customary practices within the field, including suicide risk assessment, a non-specific resource focused intervention and if necessary, further outpatient or inpatient treatment.
Background:
In Switzerland, approximately three people die by suicide every day and suicide attempts exceed this number by far. As a previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors for a completed suicide, it is of utmost importance to identify the people at risk. However, research has shown that traditional risk factors (e.g., depression, psychiatric disorder, etc.) reliably predict suicide ideation but poorly predict suicidal behavior. Furthermore, while effective suicide-specific interventions exist, up to 50% of the suicide attempters reject the recommended treatment and around 60% discontinue treatment after one session. Hence, a different approach is required. In this study, three projects will be conducted. Project 1 aims is to identify the (neuro-) psychological patterns of suicidal attempters by comparing between the following four different groups:
- patients with a prior suicide attempt (SUAT) 2) patients with no prior suicide attempt, but suicidal ideation (SUID) 3) a general patient group (CLIN), and 4) a healthy control group (HLTH).
Project 2 aims to investigate how these patterns are modulated by the efficacious brief therapy ASSIP. In project 3, the feasibility, effects and cost-effectiveness of the ASSIP Home Treatment will be investigated.
Study design of project 2:
A longitudinal analysis over 12 months will only be conducted for the SUAT group. SUAT who participated in project 1 will be asked whether they also wish to participate in project 2. If they agree, they will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group ASSIP or STAR group to understand the influence of the brief ASSIP on (neuro-) psychological correlates in suicide attempters. The brief therapy ASSIP and STAR will take place at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern (Switzerland). Participants in project 2 will be assessed at 4 weeks, and 12 months after the first assessment which was conducted within project 1 and participants will be assessed on several process factors after each ASSIP or STAR session.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| ASSIP Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP)Patients in the ASSIP Group will receive 3-4 sessions of the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) which is a specific therapy for patients with a suicide attempt in their personal history. Each ASSIP session takes approximately 50 minutes. |
| STAR Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Standard of care plus resource interview group (STAR)Patients in the STAR group will receive the standard of care plus resource interview (STAR) which will be a risk assessment interview, and a non-specific resource focused intervention over three face-to-face sessions. In this resource focused intervention, the sessions are focused on activation of existing resources and the patients' social environment is discussed. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Informed consent as documented by signature
- Age ≥ 18 years
- At least one previous suicide attempt
- Willingness to attend the ASSIP brief therapy
- Owns a smartphone
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- The presence of any one of the following exclusion criteria will lead to exclusion of the subject:
- Serious cognitive impairment
- Any psychotic disorder
- Any current medication, which substantially impairs the attention span, reaction, rate or any other relevant cognitive functions
- Inability to follow the procedures of the study (e.g., insufficient mastery of the German language, previous enrolment into the current study)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP)The Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) is a specific therapy for patients with a suicide attempt in their biography. The brief therapy ASSIP consists of three to four sessions of approximately 50 minutes each. Session 1: A narrative interview is conducted, in which the patient is asked to tell her*his personal story which led to the suicidal crisis. The narrative is video-recorded. Session 2: Using video-playback of the recorded narrative, patient and therapist explore further details of the suicidal process. Session 3: A case conceptualization focusing on the patient's vulnerability and the trigger of the suicidal crisis is formulated in writing. A list of safety strategies for the prevention of future suicidal behavior is developed jointly with the patient. Regular letters are sent to patients over a period of 2 years. | Behavioural | ASSIP Group |
| Standard of care plus resource interview group (STAR)The standard of care plus resource interview group (STAR) will be offered a clinical interview, a risk assessment, and a non-specific resource focused intervention over three face-to-face sessions. In this resource focused intervention, the patient is asked to name her*his resources, describe them, and give examples. | Behavioural | STAR Group |
Primary outcome
Differences in Inhibitory Control
Time frame: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0).
The Go/No-Go task is a cognitive task to assess an individual's ability to inhibit a prepotent response. It is used to measure impulse control and response inhibition. The task requires participants to respond ("Go" response) to one type of stimulus and to withhold or inhibit their response ("No-Go" response) to another type of stimulus. The Go/No-Go task yields measures such as reaction time, accuracy, and the ability to inhibit responses. Reaction times can vary widely, and accuracy is often expressed as a percentage of correct responses. Lower reaction times and higher accuracy in withholding responses (No-Go trials) indicate better inhibitory control and cognitive performance.
Differences in Inhibitory Control
Time frame: The assessment takes place after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR therapy sessions (t1), i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment.
The Go/No-Go task is a cognitive task to assess an individual's ability to inhibit a prepotent response. It is used to measure impulse control and response inhibition. The task requires participants to respond ("Go" response) to one type of stimulus and to withhold or inhibit their response ("No-Go" response) to another type of stimulus. The Go/No-Go task yields measures such as reaction time, accuracy, and the ability to inhibit responses. Reaction times can vary widely, and accuracy is often expressed as a percentage of correct responses. Lower reaction times and higher accuracy in withholding responses (No-Go trials) indicate better inhibitory control and cognitive performance.
Differences in Inhibitory Control
Time frame: The assessment takes place 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
The Go/No-Go task is a cognitive task to assess an individual's ability to inhibit a prepotent response. It is used to measure impulse control and response inhibition. The task requires participants to respond ("Go" response) to one type of stimulus and to withhold or inhibit their response ("No-Go" response) to another type of stimulus. The Go/No-Go task yields measures such as reaction time, accuracy, and the ability to inhibit responses. Reaction times can vary widely, and accuracy is often expressed as a percentage of correct responses. Lower reaction times and higher accuracy in withholding responses (No-Go trials) indicate better inhibitory control and cognitive performance.
7 secondary outcomes
Movement analyses
Time frame: The assessment takes place at all 3 sessions of ASSIP or STAR, up to 1 month.
Selective Attention and Interference Control
Time frame: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
General Sense of Self-Efficacy
Time frame: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Locus of control
Time frame: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Psychological Pain
Time frame: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Suicidal ideation and behavior
Time frame: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Suicidal ideation
Time frame: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0); after the completion of the 3/4 ASSIP or STAR sessions, i.e. approximately 4 weeks after the baseline assessment (t1); 12 months after the baseline assessment (t2).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Jan 2026.
- BackgroundPeter, C. and A. Tuch, Suizidgedanken und Suizidversuche in der Schweizer Bevölkerung. Obsan Bulletin. Vol. 7. 2019, Nêuchatel. 2019.
- Background: PubMed 27523496Bostwick JM, Pabbati C, Geske JR, McKean AJ. Suicide Attempt as a Risk Factor for Completed Suicide: Even More Lethal Than We Knew. Am J Psychiatry. 2016 Nov 1;173(11):1094-1100. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15070854. Epub 2016 Aug 13.
- Background: PubMed 19028399Ystgaard M, Arensman E, Hawton K, Madge N, van Heeringen K, Hewitt A, de Wilde EJ, De Leo D, Fekete S. Deliberate self-harm in adolescents: comparison between those who receive help following self-harm and those who do not. J Adolesc. 2009 Aug;32(4):875-91. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.10.010. Epub 2008 Nov 22.
- Background: PubMed 21198330Klonsky ED, May A. Rethinking impulsivity in suicide. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2010 Dec;40(6):612-9. doi: 10.1521/suli.2010.40.6.612.
- BackgroundMay, A.M. and E.D. Klonsky, What distinguishes suicide attempters from suicide ideators? A meta-analysis of potential factors. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 2016. 23(1): p. 5.
- Background: PubMed 21123401Lizardi D, Stanley B. Treatment engagement: a neglected aspect in the psychiatric care of suicidal patients. Psychiatr Serv. 2010 Dec;61(12):1183-91. doi: 10.1176/ps.2010.61.12.1183.
- BackgroundSchiepek, G., Ressourcenorientierung und Ressourcendiagnostik in der Psychotherapie. 2003.
- BackgroundGysin-Maillart, A., ASSIP - Kurztherapie nach Suizidversuch. Attempted Sucide Short Intervention Program. 2. Aufl. ed. 2021, Bern: Hogrefe.
- Background: PubMed 25195081Smith JL, Mattick RP, Jamadar SD, Iredale JM. Deficits in behavioural inhibition in substance abuse and addiction: a meta-analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2014 Dec 1;145:1-33. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.08.009. Epub 2014 Aug 24.
- Background: PubMed 19337207Nock MK, Hwang I, Sampson NA, Kessler RC. Mental disorders, comorbidity and suicidal behavior: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Mol Psychiatry. 2010 Aug;15(8):868-76. doi: 10.1038/mp.2009.29. Epub 2009 Mar 31.
- Background: PubMed 28718868Rath D, Hallensleben N, Glaesmer H, Spangenberg L, Strauss M, Kersting A, Teismann T, Forkmann T. [Implicit Associations with Death: First Validation of the German Version of the Suicide Implicit Association Test (Suicide IAT)]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol. 2018 Mar;68(3-4):109-117. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-105070. Epub 2017 Jun 29. German.
- Background: PubMed 21639608Ramseyer F, Tschacher W. Nonverbal synchrony in psychotherapy: coordinated body movement reflects relationship quality and outcome. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2011 Jun;79(3):284-95. doi: 10.1037/a0023419.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Anja C. Gysin-Maillart, PhD principal investigator
University of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) in people with Inhibitory Control and Self Efficacy, run by University of Bern at 1 site in Switzerland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Switzerland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Anja C. Gysin-Maillart, PhD (+41 (0) 31 632 88 11, anja.gysin-maillart@unibe.ch), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Differences in Inhibitory Control (time frame: The assessment takes place 1 day to 1 week after informed consent (t0).). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06263712, which also lists 29 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Jan 2026.